Brooklyn vs. Queens: Which Borough is Right For You?

Brooklyn and Queens are both fantastic boroughs to live in, but which one is right for you? Brooklyn has all but overtaken Manhattan as one of the trendiest boroughs in New York City. It’s young, hip and has just about any niche anyone could ask for. Brooklyn’s community is established and thriving, but Queens is beginning to experience the same rapid growth that Brooklyn experienced a few years ago. Queens also has a reputation for being one of the most culturally diverse places in the world, which means an inclusive community and plenty of internationally inspired cuisine.

Which borough is more suited to you? Let’s take a look.

Housing Costs:

If you’re looking at getting an apartment in Brooklyn, you should know that the average cost to rent is $2,675. If you’re looking in Queens, the average is $2,194. There’s a lot of factors to consider when looking at apartments, but navigating costs can one of the trickiest. That being said, it’s worthwhile to note that the average rent in Queens has increased by 2% over the course of the past year, while in Brooklyn it has decreased by 1%. Should this trend continue, the difference in cost between the two boroughs may gradually lessen. For now though, rent in Brooklyn is higher than it is in Queens.

Room With a View:

After one glance at Manhattan’s soaring skyscrapers, it’s easy to see why a view of the skyline is desirable for both seasoned residents and starstruck newcomers alike. Fortunately, both Brooklyn and Queens offer spectacular views of the iconic skyline, it’s just a matter of knowing where to look.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t always have to spend a fortune to get a decent view of the city. In general, the key is to find a neighborhood that borders the East River.

So, if views are one of your must haves, an apartment in Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Greenpoint or Williamsburg could be a great fit! Similarly, in Queens, some of the neighborhoods most likely to have great views are Long Island City and Astoria.

Personal Preference:

In recent years, Brooklyn has become known as the “New Manhattan” due to its surging popularity among young professionals looking to escape rising prices in Manhattan. The result? Brooklyn has transformed into a hip, thriving community that has something for everyone. It also has the largest population out of all five boroughs, which may not be ideal if you prefer to live in a slightly quieter community.

If you prefer a sub-urban community vibe Queens may be a better fit, as it’s the largest borough from a geographical standpoint, but has a slightly smaller population than Brooklyn. Similar to Brooklyn, the Queens community is thriving and incredibly diverse. In fact, it is home one of the largest populations of foreign born residents not only in New York, but perhaps the world.

Dining & Nightlife

Brooklyn is known for its diverse dining scene and ever-growing selection of restaurants. Not to mention, its food trucks and open air market, Smorgasburg, are of legendary status. The restaurants and cocktail bars here are unlike that of Manhattan, which is a hub for some of the most famous, most expensive, culinary experiences in the world.

Queens isn’t quite as known for its foodie scene, but maybe it should be. With its incredibly diverse population, the restaurants are great in both international variety and quality. It also has the Night Market, which doesn’t quite stack up to Smorgasburg in terms of size, but with 89 vendors and nightly cultural performances, it’s a force to be reckoned with.

Or, if going to clubs is more your thing and you’re hoping to escape Manhattan’s crowded nightlife, fear not! Both Brooklyn and Queens have great nightclubs that are less crowded and also less frequented by tourists.

Attractions:

We’ve already mentioned Smorgasburg as a drool-worthy place to visit in Brooklyn, but what else is there for entertainment? Well, besides all of the food, Brooklyn is home to many iconic attractions and things to do. If you’re looking to have some fun head on over to Coney Island, or if you’re in need of some zen amidst the chaos of the city, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden may be just what you need.

If tourists aren’t really your thing, Queens is relatively less frequented by out-of-towners, while still being home to various museums, parks and sporting events.

Decision Time:

So, what’ll it be? At the end of the day, you have to make the decision that will be best for you and your lifestyle.

Hip and quirky Brooklyn has done a lot of growing up in recent years, becoming the most populated borough and earning the title the “New Manhattan”. It is admittedly more expensive, but Queens is just that much further away from Manhattan, so what you save on rent you may end up paying in transportation costs. Queens, however, has been on the rise with its sub-urban atmosphere and cheaper housing costs.

There’s many things to consider when choosing a place to live, but when you make that decision be sure to let us know! Metropolis Moving is experienced with both Brooklyn and Queens moves, so we’ll be able to make sure your move goes smoothly no matter where you go.

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